Introduction

Chapters are the grassroots of SCB and include student and professional members. Their scope encompasses universities and institutions, cities, counties, states, regions, and countries. Chapters have a long tradition within SCB and undertake restoration work, education, public outreach, public policy, and professional networking and development. One key strength of Chapters is that they can make very specific responses to local manifestations of broader conservation biology concerns, manifestations that affect the environment and the public directly and deeply. Other key strengths are that they introduce new members to SCB, inspire an enduring interest in SCB’s work, and provide opportunities for SCB members to take concrete action in the name of the Society.

The Chapters Committee assists and advises Chapters as well as strengthens the contribution of Chapters to SCB. The Committee does so in the following ways: helping Chapters establish and grow; enabling Chapters to exchange ideas and information; increasing Chapter cooperation and coordination with other subgroups of SCB; facilitating the Chapter voice and presence within the larger SCB organization; and encouraging Chapter contributions in implementing SCB’s strategic plan. Committee membership is open to any member of SCB who has a commitment to furthering the purpose and activities of Chapters.

Terms of Reference

Updated: March 22, 2010

The purpose of the Chapters Committee is to facilitate the growth of and coordination among Chapters globally and to assist Chapters in contributing to the overall mission of the Society. This mission is fulfilled by pursuing three overarching goals for Chapters: growth, visibility, and networking. To meet these goals, the Chapters Committee works in seven strategic areas with accompanying tasks and activities:

Chapter housekeeping

Annual Chapter registrations

Bylaw and other documentation updates

Strategic planning

Tracking of Chapter activities and needs

Biannual reports to the Board of Governors

Communication

Maintain the main Chapters webpage on the SCB website

Provide web hosting for individual Chapter websites

Facilitate social networking tools

Regular all-Chapter conference calls

Newsletter contributions by and about Chapters

Intra-organizational Relations

Coordinate with SCB sections

Coordinate with SCB working groups

Represent Chapters on other SCB committees

Coordinate with the Executive Office

Joint activities with multiple Chapters and other SCB subgroups

New Chapters

Advise and assist new Chapters and potential Chapters

Facilitate sister Chapter connections

Maintain and update “A Guide to Starting and Running a SCB Chapter”

SCB Conference Activities

Lead capacity-building workshops

Oversee Chapter contributions to the SCB information booth

Co-host the Chapter/Student/BOG mixer

Host leadership retreats

Lead or contribute to Networking Night

Conduct the Chapters Business Roundtable

Coordinate other activities to promote networking, visibility, or growth

Finances

Provide project and travel grants

Maintain a general budget within the Executive Office for committee and Chapter activities

Coordinate with the Executive Office and other SCB subgroups on major fundraising activities

SCB’s Strategic Plan

Assist with activities that fulfill SCB’s strategic plan, particularly in the areas of public policy, education, and organizational capacity.